Chambers USA 2004 Client's Guide

"The Firm: A high-stakes litigation boutique, the nationally renowned group features two star advocates backed by deep and resourceful bench strength. To many observers it remains a model for a highly-successful roving trial practice that others have yet to truly match. A team of 33 partners do a 'fantastic job in court,' and are regularly retained by blue-chip companies to act on complex cases. Significant wins include breach of contract cases for DuPont, Time Warner and C&W. The firm is also advising RealNetworks in an antitrust suit against Microsoft.

"The Lawyers: A 'magnificent trial lawyer,' Philip Beck is regarded simply as 'one of the best in the country.' No stranger to high-profile cases, his broad practice leans toward product liability but also includes patent and accounting disputes. He successfully tried a product liability case for Bayer concerning an anti-cholesterol drug. Similarly esteemed for his extensive jury trial experience, Fred Bartlit has an established repertoire that includes patent, antitrust, securities and white-collar criminal cases. 'There's no one better in Chicago,' commentators said."

Denver Litigation:

"The Firm: BBHP&S, hailed as a 'premier national litigation firm,' won plaudits among rivals for its complex commercial litigation portfolio. The team of 'fine business trial lawyers' offers 'incredibly effective representation' over the full range of commercial litigation, especially IP and products liability.

"The Lawyers: Observers agreed that Fred Bartlit has few rivals to his 'larger-than-life-presence in the courtroom.' His significant profile in Chicago attracted comment, with one interviewee proclaiming him 'among the top-five trial lawyers in the U.S.' Bartlit's 'low-key' but 'incredibly effective' colleague, Donald Scott, makes his debut in the tables. Peers commended him as a "talented leader" who is 'highly credible with juries.' Scott has been working for NL Industries and seven other defendants in significant lead paint litigation against the State of Rhode Island. He has tried numerous other cases recently for companies including Bandag (retreaded truck tires) and QUALCOMM (cellular phone technology)."

Denver Corporate Group:

"The Firm: Renowned for its nationwide complex litigation practice, the firm also maintains a stable profile in corporate affairs with a raft of experienced lawyers. It attracted notable praise for M&A work on behalf of private equity firms such as First Reserve Corporation, the leading private equity firm in the energy sector.

"The lawyers: Although smaller than some of its rivals, the team boasts in its ranks the 'outstanding, effective' James Palenchar, who peers declared 'works harder than anyone else on the planet.' Palenchar's practice mostly comprises M&A and corporate counseling, which includes compliance with the SEC in light of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Palenchar acted for First Reserve Corporation in relation to the formation and financing of Alpha Natural Resources, and the roll-up of the coal mining businesses of El Paso, The Pittston Company and American Metals and Coal International. Tom Stephens, praised as 'patient, clear-thinking and assertive,' moves into the tables with a profile in taking companies public and helping them grow. He represented Titanium Metals, the world's largest titanium company in its $380 million IPO and $200 million offering of convertible preferred securities."